In the fourth season of “Hacks,” Jean Smart’s character Deborah Vance is finally living her long-awaited dream of hosting a late-night show. With the new role comes a new wardrobe.
Costume designer Kathleen Felix-Hager created power dressing moments for Vance this season, blending tailoring with the character’s glamourous style.
“Deborah is dressing for her dream job of hosting late night. She wears more tailored jackets and pantsuits than in previous seasons,” Felix-Hager told WWD. “She also wears more dresses in Season Four. I loved showing off her incredible legs.”
Jean Smart wearing a red Alex Perry dress and vintage St. John coat in Season Four of “Hacks.”
Max
In episode one, Vance wears a red dress by Alex Perry, which Felix-Hager completely recut the neckline, paired with a vintage red fur coat by St. John. Along the season, Vance is also wearing embellished blazers by Cinq à Sept, a floral silk blouse by Oscar de la Renta and a leopard-print Etro blazer.
“Most pieces we added a ton of sequin and/or embellishments. I always love color and sparkle for her,” Felix-Hager said.
Jean Smart wearing a Cinq à Sept blazer in Season Four of “Hacks.”
Max
In Season Four, Jean Smart’s character will also experience unexpected challenges that will bring her into a state of sadness. Felix-Hager opted for “lots of comfy cashmere and silk pajamas” to mirror her mood. In the second episode of the season, Vance wears a long layer silk kaftan by boutique Camilla.
“Deborah is on quite the emotional roller coaster this season. We see her fall into a sadness that we reflected in her costumes,” she said.
Jean Smart wearing a silk kaftan by boutique Camilla in Season Four of “Hacks.”
Max
Other brands featured in this new chapter of “Hacks” include Badgley Mischka, Alice + Olivia and Silvia Tcherassi.
Kathleen Felix-Hager has been working in the series since its inception and has received three Emmy nominations for her work in “Hacks.” The first episode of Season Four premiered Thursday on Max and is now available for streaming.
